Williams Canyon (Near Cave of the Winds in Manitou Springs)
March 2002
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How to get there: Walk up
Canon Avenue in Manitou Springs and you'll reach
the entrance after walking under Highway 24.
There's a "no trespassing" sign, but word among locals is the sign exists merely
to exempt the property owner from all possible liability issues.
BOTTOM: The canyon is quite narrow to start. |
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A pine tree sticks out on the edge of a cliff. |
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As you hike up the canyon, you'll see the large Cave of the Winds buildings to the left.
Click here to see a pictorial of the surrounding mountains, including a couple of shots from that building! :) |
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As I've said before, this water bottle has become my best friend on these hikes. :) |
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About one mile into the canyon, you'll approach a beautiful waterfall. I must warn you, it is a little dangerous to get close to it and so I don't recommend bringing young "squirrely" kids down there. |
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Just above the large waterfall is a fun punch bowl. They're great, aren't they? :) |
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From that main waterfall, you can get a good panoramic view of the canyon. |
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While I got you here, check out these
other canyons:
North Cheyenne Canyon
Waldo Canyon
Red Rock Canyon
Colorado National Monument
Old Fall Road in RMNP
Queens Canyon |
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Now from this spot the only landmark you can see of Manitou Springs is the one house on top of Iron Mountain. |
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Most hikers usually head back into town after reaching the waterfall, BUT KEEP GOING!
I love when people pile up rocks here and there! |
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You'll probably go for another two miles or so in a forested area and you'll approach some switchbacks where... |
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...Boom! You'll get a really good view of the canyon from above and surrounding mountains! The actual canyon veers to the left, and the trail turns right and climbs up the side of the canyon. |
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Click on the picture to see my diagram! :) |
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Nice shot! |
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Zoom-in of Pikes Peak. |
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Going up on the trail, it was at this spot that I turned around. The trail goes a little further and stops at Rampart Range Road. |
